Effect of preconceptional metformin on abortion risk in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of pregestational metformin administration on abortion risk in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.


METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis.


METHODS
Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Italy.


METHODS
Women affected by PCOS receiving pregestational metformin.


METHODS
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 2008 and subsequent meta-analysis.


METHODS
Abortion rate.


RESULTS
Seventeen RCTs were included in the final analysis. Overall, no effect of the metformin administration was detected on the abortion risk. No statistically significant effect of metformin on the abortion risk was observed in any comparison when subgrouping the RCTs according to received treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Metformin has no effect on the abortion risk in PCOS patients when administered before pregnancy.
Palomba
Stefano
S
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy. stefanopalomba@tin.it
Falbo
Angela
A
Orio
Francesco
F
Zullo
Fulvio
F
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D047489:Preconception Injuries; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin